El Cajon plugs into music scene

EL CAJON  A little less trendy than Coachella, a lot more toned down than SXSW and many years removed from the Woodstock era, El Cajon is ready to rock and roll.

The El Cajon City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a $10,000 request from Noah Homes and other local organizations to host a two-day music festival in downtown El Cajon just as fall kicks in.

The city will also provide services and direction to the group that's planning "Plugged In East County," a music festival planned for Sept. 20-21 that has the official support of Viejas and local musical gurus at Taylor Guitars and the Deering Banjo Co.

The concert concept is an idea from the economic team of the LEAD East County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class of 2013, said Meredith Munger, who spoke to the council on behalf of event backers.

Munger said the event will benefit Spring Valley-based Noah Homes, a nonprofit organization that provides residential care for adults with developmental disabilities, and El Cajon-based St. Madeleine Sophie's Center, which also serves those with developmental disabilities.

El Cajon is already in the middle of a concert series, which entertains sizable crowds every Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. The concerts are scheduled through Sept. 27 and are held within Prescott Promenade, just off Main Street and Magnolia Avenue. The new event is expected to be held in the same area.

Munger told the council that the event will pay off in myriad ways for the city. She was also involved with the successful "Run EC" half marathon and 5K, which drew hundreds of runners and supporters throughout the city in March.

"It's a lot easier to sell music than a half marathon," she said. "We believe there will be a wonderful return on this investment, attracting people while in return boosting the economy in El Cajon."

The two-day event will feature a "Best Band in San Diego" contest, which will have components that include YouTube video submissions, a day-of-event popularity vote and judging from employees of Taylor Guitars and Deering Banjos plus members of the LEAD group.

"This is basically a battle of the bands with Taylor Guitars and Deering Banjos, an all-San Diego battle with Taylor effectively choosing the best band," Munger said. "Next year we hope to take this national."

In a letter to the City Council and El Cajon citizens, Noah Homes CEO and LEAD Member Molly Nocon wrote that the "high end" music festival "will introduce San Diego's music followers to El Cajon" while raising funds for those with developmental disabilities in the East County.

Nocon wrote, "Sponsors indicate we will easily attract 2,000 people," and that the venue will include a main stage, VIP ticketed seating, a beer and wine garden, food tasting from local restaurants, an auction and raffle sales event, donation boxes and post-event follow up with registrants.

After the council agreed to the $10,000 gift, with only Bob McClellan absent, Mayor Mark Lewis said to Munger: "We're looking forward to a fantastic event. It's a good organization and you're going to make us proud."